"Let There Be Light" - A place for conversation with the Rector of St. Paul's Memorial Church, 1700 University Avenue, Charlottesville, Virginia, 22903
http://www.stpaulsmemorialchurch.org/

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

I am still learning to grow in your love

For me, Lent is a time for getting back to basics, for brushing up and brushing off my prayer life. I feel blessed to enjoy a regular prayer practice every morning, but I've let a key part of my practice lapse in recent months --the "examen" at the end of the day.

The idea is to take the time to reflect on the moments of God's grace in the day that is closing, and where I might have fallen short in responding. It is a practice from Ignatian spirituality, the underlying foundation of the Jesuits (all of my spiritual directors have been Jesuits, so it rather fits with how I pray).

I have a card that helps me make this self-examination at the close of day. The card is tattered and in need of tape, but I still carry it in my prayer book, a gift from a member of one of our Education for Ministry groups. Here are the questions.

Light a candle, and try it out yourself tonight:

+ + +

Praying the Jesuit Examination of Conscience

1. Thanksgiving:Lord, I realize that all, even myself, is a gift from you.

Today, for what things am I most grateful?

2. Intention:Lord, open my eyes and ears to be more honest with myself.

Today, what do I really want for myself?

3. Examination:Lord, show me what has been happening to me and in me this day.

St. Paul's on Facebook

Click the photo above to find St. Paul's on Facebook

A word on words...

It is my hope that this blog will be a place of dialogue and conversation. But please consider that you are a guest in someone's home (mine). Angry yelling may work for talk-radio, but it doesn't work here. Take your anger elsewhere. Present your point of view respectfully, and be open to others having a different point of view. Be respectful. Have a conversation. Take a deep breath before you hit the "submit" button.

And, I shouldn't have to spell this out, but I will:

1- Comments that are hateful toward any individual or groups will be removed. Period.

2- Comments that promote a commercial product will also be removed.

3- Keep it tasteful; use common sense and watch your language (this is a church blog).

4- I will not be drawn into arguments with anyone leaving an anonymous posting. You can leave an opinion anonymously, and if it is respectful, I will leave it stand. But do not expect a response from me. Conversation requires both parties introducing themselves. You know who I am, so have the courage of your convictions and stand by your comment with your name. Then we'll talk.

The name of this blog is Fiat Lux -- "Let There Be Light." So, please, shed light, not heat.